Kenya

Turning the Tide - Kenya

QPSW is working with Kenyan Quakers to build a positive, nonviolent grassroots peace movement by helping local activists to stand up for human rights and a just peace in Kenya.

During Kenya’s 2007 election, the world was shocked to see East Africa’s most stable democracy erupt into violence. After the violence, which left 1000 people dead and an estimated 350,000 people displaced, our partners recognized that while trauma recovery, mediation, and conflict resolution initiatives are crucial, the success of these efforts will be limited while legitimate grievances about governance, corruption and basic rights are unaddressed.

Turning the Tide offers a comprehensive set of tools to design and deliver an effective nonviolent campaign. The methods that have been used successfully in other parts of the world are being adapted to the Kenyan context and will help to transform the angry and destructive energy that is so easily manipulated by political elites into a powerful, nonviolent force for a just peace in Kenya.

Young people who want to make changes in their communities are learning how to speak out loudly and strongly, but without violence. Communities are finding the courage to address root causes of their conflicts, rather than only dealing with the symptoms. With persistence and continued support, local activists will succeed in making positive changes, big and small, that will contribute to a free, fair and peaceful Kenyan election in 2012.

What can you do?

• Donate to BYM’s Peacebuilding in East Africa programme
• Fundraise in support of the work
• Raise awareness of the work by hosting a speaker

For more information contact Laura Shipler Chico, telephone: 020 7663 1075, email: lauras@quaker.org.uk